Alleged theft gang leader nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - The alleged leader of a gang of thieves operating in Divisoria, Manila was arrested in Tondo, Manila, police said yesterday.

Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut said SPO2 Ver Navarro led a police team in arresting Rodelio Torrepalma, alias “Pipoy,” 32, the alleged leader; Enrico Enriquez, 30; Marlon Espilnar, 27; Ricky Parafina, 32; Angie Enriquez, 24; and a 17-year-old boy.

Enriquez reportedly served as the gang’s lookout, Navarro said.

Police said a 69-year-old Filipino-Chinese trader was the gang’s latest victim. Yabut said the gang snatched the trader’s P80,000 gold necklace in Divisoria last Sunday and reportedly sold it to the “Open Til Mid…” pawnshop at the corner of Kagitingan and Lakandula streets in Tondo.

Yabut alleged that the pawnshop, owned by Romeo Clarin, accepts pawned jewelry but does not issue receipts.   – Nestor Etolle